Tanzania entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
South African passport holders can enter Tanzania without a visa for up to 90 days. This covers tourism, business meetings, and transit. No advance application needed — just show up at the border with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your South African passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Tanzania. Immigration officers at Julius Nyerere and Kilimanjaro airports check this at the counter — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Tanzania | Immigration at Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar airports routinely asks for a return or onward ticket before stamping you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight — if you cannot show one, they may refuse entry or send you to buy a ticket on the spot. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Tanzania. Officers at the border rarely ask for it, but if they do and you have nothing, expect extra questions and a possible secondary screening. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card with available balance. Immigration can ask how you plan to fund your trip — showing a bank statement or cash is enough to satisfy them. | Recommended |
Visa-free for 90 days
South African passport holders can stay up to 90 days without a visa. This is a generous allowance — make sure you don't overstay, as penalties are steep.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, you will be turned away at the border. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
Present your passport at the immigration counter at any Tanzanian airport, land border, or seaport. Common entry points include Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport, and Namanga border post.
2
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa-free entry permit valid for up to 90 days. No forms to fill in advance — just hand over your passport and answer any questions about your stay.
3
Show supporting documents if asked
Immigration may request to see your return ticket and accommodation booking. Have them ready on your phone or as printouts. If you have travel insurance details, keep them accessible too.
4
Collect your luggage and proceed
After clearing immigration, collect your checked bags from the carousel and pass through customs. There are no additional visa-related steps after this.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. ZAR 900)
For those who prefer a visa in advance or need to stay beyond visa-free period.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity12 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. ZAR 1,800)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple visits.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. ZAR 1,800)
Requires invitation letter from Tanzanian company.
work visa
Class A Work Permit
2 years, renewable
~$600 USD (approx. ZAR 10,800) per year
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Tanzanian employer. Requires labour market test and company sponsorship.
investor visa
Residence Permit for Investors
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. ZAR 18,000) per year
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Tanzania. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. ZAR 3,600) per year
For those enrolled in accredited educational institutions in Tanzania. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. ZAR 9,000) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with a guaranteed monthly income of at least $1,000 USD. Requires medical insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry) – if neededFor those who wish to apply for a visa in advance or if visa-free is not applicable. | $50 USD (approx. ZAR 900) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry) – if neededAllows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. ZAR 1,800) |
| Overstay fineNo official cap; avoid overstaying. | $50 USD per day (approx. ZAR 900 per day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unconvincing travel purpose20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Tanzania
No transit visa needed
South African passport holders transiting through Tanzania do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa-free entry (up to 90 days) applies instead.
Transit hubsJulius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Dar es Salaam · Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Kilimanjaro · Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), Zanzibar
Health & vaccines for Tanzania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; Tanzania may request certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural and lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas during rainy seasons.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions below 1,800 m. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania Immigration Headquarters
Plot 6, Sam Nujoma Road, Dar es Salaam
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Arusha
Arusha Regional Immigration Office
Boma Road, Arusha
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Popular for travellers on safari; can handle extensions.
Practical information for ZA travellers
Country basics
CapitalDodoma
LanguageSwahili, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyTanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2,595.71 TZS
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,GType D, G — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Tanzania
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Tanzania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. South African passport holders can enter Tanzania visa-free for up to 90 days. Just show up at the border with a valid passport and a return ticket.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you would need to leave Tanzania and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your 90 days expire.
You will be denied entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Renew your passport before you travel.
Tanzania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. South Africa is not a risk country, so you generally do not need it if travelling directly from South Africa. However, if you have recently visited a risk country, you must show the certificate.
No. The visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, business meetings, and transit. Any work, study, or long-term activity requires a proper visa or permit obtained in advance.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban on re-entry. The fine is typically around $200–$500 depending on the length of overstay. Always leave before your 90 days are up.
No. Tanzania does not require an online arrival declaration for South African passport holders. You simply present your passport at the border.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.